What should I do if my American Express card is declined?

Asked 5 months ago
If your American Express card is declined, there are several steps you can take to address the situation. First, calmly check if you have sufficient available credit on your account. It may be that your limit has been reached or that there are pending charges affecting your balance. Next, confirm that the information you entered at the point of sale is correct, including the card number, expiration date, and security code. Sometimes, a simple error can lead to a decline. If your card is still declined, it is advisable to check for any notifications or alerts from American Express regarding your account. Occasionally, transactions may be flagged for security reasons, especially if they are unusual or exceed a certain amount. You may also wish to consider trying the transaction again after a brief moment or using a different payment method if available. For more detailed assistance or account-specific inquiries, the official American Express website may provide contact information to help you get the support you need.
Jeff Whelpley is the editor / author responsible for this content.
Answered Jul 19, 2025

Need further help?

Type out your followup or related question and we will get you an answer right away.

Similar Questions

Need to contact American Express (UK)?

If you need to talk to American Express (UK) customer service, now that you have the answers that you needed, click the button below.
Contact American Express (UK)

American Express (UK)

Find a list of many popular American Express (UK) questions with answers or step by step guides on our FAQ page below. Or ask a whole new question and get an answer right away.
American Express (UK) Customer Service FAQAsk a Question
Was this page helpful?YesNeeds work
Sharing is what powers GetHuman's free customer service contact information and tools. You can help!